Telangana factory blast: Amit Shah expresses grief, says NDRF continuing rescue operation
NEW DELHI: Union minister Amit Shah on Monday expressed condolences over the Telangana factory blast, which claimed 12 lives, and informed that the NDRF team is continuing the rescue operation along with the local administration.
"Saddened by the tragic accident in a chemical factory in Sangareddy, Telangana. The NDRF team rushed to the spot immediately and is continuing the rescue operation along with the local administration," Amit Shah said.
"My heartfelt condolences to the families who have lost their loved ones. Praying for the swift recovery of those injured," he added.
Twelve people were killed and 34 others injured in a powerful blast at a pharmaceutical manufacturing unit in Sangareddy district.
The explosion occurred around 9.30 am at Sigachi Industries' plant in Pashamylaram, where approximately 90 people were on duty, news agency PTI reported. State health minister C Damodar Rajanarasimha and labour minister G Vivek Venkatswamy visited the site and confirmed the casualties.
While the exact cause is yet to be ascertained, Telangana Fire Services Director General Y Nagi Reddy said preliminary observations suggest a blast occurred in the drying unit, possibly due to pressure build-up during the handling process.
The explosion flattened the three-storey structure, and rescue teams are still clearing debris to ensure no one remains trapped.
Of the 34 injured, 12 are in critical condition and on ventilator support, Labour Minister Venkatswamy said, citing severe respiratory stress caused by burns. The factory in-charge was among those killed, leaving no immediate representative from the company to detail what transpired.
Chief minister A Revanth Reddy expressed deep anguish over the tragedy and directed officials to ensure top-tier medical care for the injured. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed grief, announcing an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh for the next of kin of those killed and Rs 50,000 for the injured from the PM's National Relief Fund.
The company issued a statement mourning the loss and promising full support to those affected. Meanwhile, DNA tests are being conducted to identify several victims whose bodies were charred beyond recognition, officials told PTI.
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